Gifts, talents and challenges: Untapped potential of adults with FASD.

Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spetrum Disorder may be viewed through a deficit lens that does not include strengths and abilities. Yet, adults with FASD do have strengths and untapped potential, just as every other person does. This qualitative descriptive research study includes challenges, barriers and needs, along with the gifts and talents of adults with FASD as perceived by their mothers, care providers, service providers and by themselves. Strengths unique to each individual included a willingness to please, connection to others, being non-judgemental and supportive towards others, along with their ability to survive and adapt. Challenges included the invisibility of FASD and the lack of awareness that although this condition lasts a lifetime, much can be done to improve the lives of these individuals through providing proper identification, education and supports. Identified needs are specialized environments in schools, financial assistance based on adaptive functioning instead of an IQ score, supportive housing and specialized vocational training, resulting in supportive employment. This research is important because a strengths based perspective provides a more accurate and balanced picture of adults with FASD and may facilitate a person-centered, comprehensive approach to service provision.